Live from NYIAS: The 10 most important debuts at the 2013 New York Auto Show

The 2014 Jeep Cherokee compact crossover marks the return of a storied nameplate on a vehicle more in line with modern conventions than its predecessor. Based on the Dodge Dart compact economy sedan, the new Cherokee promises polished on-road ride and handling along with the expected comfort and utility. The pictured Trail Hawk version also promises better off-road performance than competing crossovers. Distinctive styling also draws significant attention -- though it's not all positive. Chrysler has been largely left out of the booming compact crossover segment, dominated by the Honda CR-V and Ford Escape, and hopes the Cherokee can win customers back to the brand as successfully as the larger (mechanically unrelated) Grand Cherokee has done since 2011. More photos and details on the 2014 CherokeeThe updated 2014 Honda Odyssey minivan looks pretty much the same as the 2013. But Honda deserves plaudits for rolling out a new feature that will likely be so handy that it's almost surprising no one has thought of it previously: a built-in vacuum cleaner that can reach anywhere in the car's interior, to quickly address messes before they become more severe.The vacuum appears to be limited to the line-topping Touring Elite model of the Odyssey, though, which would be a disappointment. Other 2014 updates include tweaked styling, a few more safety features, and redesigned instrument panel. More photos and details on the 2014 OdysseyThe redesigned 2014 Cadillac CTS is bigger and more luxurious, leaving entry-level duties to the new ATS. The CTS features an updated version of Cadillac's family styling, and wears it gracefully on a new larger body. Cadillac promises improvements to power, fuel efficiency, interior space and quality, and driving dynamics to complement the modernized looks and prepare the CTS to face off against such competitors as the BMW 5-Series and Lexus GS. More photos and details on the 2014 CTSView the list »
The 2014 Acura MDX isn't visually distinct from its predecessor. But the redesigned luxury crossover boasts greatly improved fuel economy, a roomier cabin, and the promise of improved safety ratings. The outgoing MDX is Acura's best-selling product, and a leader in its segment. Improvements to this class leader are more significant than the carryover styling might suggest. More photos and details on the 2014 MDX

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Full Cars Examiner coverage of the 2013 New York International Auto Show

Of the more than two dozen cars that debuted Wednesday and Thursday at the 2013 New York International Auto Show, there were a mix of novel, flashy, or otherwise outstanding vehicles, and some that disappear more quietly into the background.

The list of “important vehicles” is, of course, entirely subjective, and focuses on importance to the automotive marketplace rather than the cool-factor of a rare exotic car. So by this metric, the dumpy little Mitsubishi Mirage subcompact makes the list of most important debuts, while a higher-performance variant of the Jaguar XK sports coupe does not.

The list is alphabetical and includes the 2014 Acura MDX crossover, 2014 Cadillac CTS sedan, 2014 Honda Odyssey minivan, 2014 Jeep Cherokee crossover, 2014 Mercedes-Benz B-Class Electric Drive hatchback, 2014 Mitsubishi Mirage hatchback, 2014 Range Rover Sport crossover, Subaru WRX concept sedan, 2014 Toyota Highlander crossover, and 2014 Volvo V60 station wagon.

Some deserving debuts that deserve attention but were edged out by the other 10 include the redesigned 2014 Kia Soul, which brings enhanced comfort and quality to the hot-selling funky-looking subcompact hatchback; the new 2014 Mercedes-Benz CLA45 AMG sports sedan, which promises zesty performance and sleek styling at reasonable-for-Benz prices; and the redesigned 2015 Volkswagen Golf compact hachback, which is expected to include a fresh dose of value and fuel-efficiency along with its longstanding premium interior quality and driving dynamics.

See the list of the top 10 debuts at the 2013 New York International Auto Show, and go here for full coverage of the product launches at the 2013 NYIAS.

View the list
  • The 2014 Acura MDX isn't visually distinct from its predecessor. But the redesigned luxury crossover boasts greatly improved fuel economy, a roomier cabin, and the promise of improved safety ratings. The outgoing MDX is Acura's best-selling product, and a leader in its segment. Improvements to this class leader are more significant than the carryover styling might suggest. More photos and details on the 2014 MDX
  • The redesigned 2014 Cadillac CTS is bigger and more luxurious, leaving entry-level duties to the new ATS. The CTS features an updated version of Cadillac's family styling, and wears it gracefully on a new larger body. Cadillac promises improvements to power, fuel efficiency, interior space and quality, and driving dynamics to complement the modernized looks and prepare the CTS to face off against such competitors as the BMW 5-Series and Lexus GS. More photos and details on the 2014 CTS
  • The updated 2014 Honda Odyssey minivan looks pretty much the same as the 2013. But Honda deserves plaudits for rolling out a new feature that will likely be so handy that it's almost surprising no one has thought of it previously: a built-in vacuum cleaner that can reach anywhere in the car's interior, to quickly address messes before they become more severe.The vacuum appears to be limited to the line-topping Touring Elite model of the Odyssey, though, which would be a disappointment. Other 2014 updates include tweaked styling, a few more safety features, and redesigned instrument panel. More photos and details on the 2014 Odyssey
  • The 2014 Jeep Cherokee compact crossover marks the return of a storied nameplate on a vehicle more in line with modern conventions than its predecessor. Based on the Dodge Dart compact economy sedan, the new Cherokee promises polished on-road ride and handling along with the expected comfort and utility. The pictured Trail Hawk version also promises better off-road performance than competing crossovers. Distinctive styling also draws significant attention -- though it's not all positive. Chrysler has been largely left out of the booming compact crossover segment, dominated by the Honda CR-V and Ford Escape, and hopes the Cherokee can win customers back to the brand as successfully as the larger (mechanically unrelated) Grand Cherokee has done since 2011. More photos and details on the 2014 Cherokee
  • Except for the super-luxury Tesla and Fisker, most electric cars have essentially been ordinary economy cars without an engine. The 2014 Mercedes-Benz B-Class Electric Drive intends to buck that trend, while also delivering greater range -- 115 miles -- than the competition. The B-Class is also based on a mainstream car, a European-market family hatchback, but its cabin matches the caliber of other high-end Mercedes products more than the competing Ford Focus or Nissan Leaf. More photos and details on the 2014 B-Class Electric Drive
  • It sure doesn't look important, with an anonymous shape and coming from a low-volume manufacturer. But the new 2014 Mitsubishi Mirage promises far better fuel economy than any other gas-only five-door -- 44 miles per gallon on the highway and 40 mpg in mixed driving. The Mirage won't be for everyone. It's got a basic cabin ambiance and a tiny three-cylinder engine. But if it's priced right, the Mirage will fill a void left as other tiny cars have sought to move upscale. More photos and details on the 2014 Mirage
  • The redesigned 2014 Range Rover Sport is now closer to the flagship Range Rover model, adopting its more advanced -- and lighter -- platform for improved driving dynamics and fuel efficiency.The redesign also includes Range Rover's first third-row seat, along with upgraded cabin technology and new powertrains. The Range Rover Sport has always offered the style of its upscale Range Rover sibling at a lower price, and the redesign brings the car's substance closer as well. More photos and details on the 2014 Range Rover Sport
  • The Subaru WRX concept offers few details about the automaker's next-generation performance sedan, but it shows that Subaru is more committed to style. Previous WRXs have been based on the ordinary Impreza economy car, with extra design touches -- both functional and stylistic -- serving as the only nod to its sporting intentions. The WRX concept adopts a uniquely sleek body to match the promised turbocharged performance. More photos and details on the WRX concept
  • The redesigned 2014 Toyota Highlander broadens this midsize crossover's already broad appeal with a roomier interior and promised improved driving dynamics. The Highlander will now seat up to eight instead of maxing out at seven, and there's more room for rearmost passengers and for cargo behind the third row. The redesign also includes boxier new styling, a redesigned interior, and more infotainment and safety features. More photos and details on the 2014 Highlander
  • Volvo was once known for its wagons, but their numbers have dwindled of late. Only the XC70, which Volvo calls a crossover rather than a wagon, remains in the U.S. lineup. The 2014 V60 changes that, bringing back the practicality inherent to the wagon body style without abandoning the swoopy looks Volvo has introduced in its latest products. More photos and details on the 2014 V60
View the list

, Cars Examiner

Brady Holt, a Washington D.C. newspaper reporter, has had a lifelong fascination with cars and helping people choose one to buy. He'd like nothing more than to take your auto advice questions. You can reach him at: cars.examiner@gmail.com.

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